Simon Hill, UK managing director of global automotive supplier Kostal, has been appointed as Yorkshire Forward's new executive director of business.

Mr Hill, 41, and married with two children, succeeds Susan Johnson who recently left the regional development agency to become chief executive of County Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue Service.

He has headed up Kostal for three years, holding responsibility for a manufacturing, sales and development operation with a £43 million turnover and more than 450 employees.

Mr Hill's previous career includes supply chain management at Rover Group and a period running a successful start-up business in sales consultancy.

He said: "I have long been impressed by the manner in which Yorkshire Forward goes about its job and am very keen to play my part in continuing the economic advancement of the Yorkshire and Humber region, with business at its heart."

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, August 31, 2005